Faculty of Science and EngineeringWaseda University

From Turkey

• Name
  Selenay YAKIN
• Country/ Region of Citizenship
  Turkey
• Graduated from
  Bilkent University
• Department
  Department of Architecture

1.　How did you find out and choose Waseda?

I first found out about Waseda because it was one of the universities that my home university had an exchange program with. So, I expected Waseda was providing high level of academic education. Then, I did my own research to know more about the university as well as the Lab of Prof. Kobayashi. After examining the lab’s own website, I thought that I would like to contribute to the international environment of the lab and work with such respected professor. Finally, I decided to apply for English-based Master program in Waseda.

2.　How your impression toward Japan changed before and after you come to Japan?

I had learnt Japanese since I was 12 years old for a few years and had heard about cultural and social events of Japan (such as Sakura-Momiji, Matsuri, Fireworks and so on) as well as some general knowledge about Japan. I had come to Japan many times to travel, so I had a pretty much accurate expectations about my life here. However, my first impression of Japan was being fascinated by its difference from other countries and how excited I felt to explore it as well as how much it had to offer, so I genuinely think that everyone can find a piece of Japan that they can enjoy according to their interests.

3.　Daily schedule 

Weekdays

I took 5-6 class excluding my lab (studio) class – aiming to finish all required classes in the first year of my master’s. It may sound busy, but I think it is very manageable. I wish there were more classes unique to Japan, especially for foreign students, such as Japanese architecture, structural wood, introductory earthquake-resistant engineering etc. My schedule for Monday & Tuesday – I have 2 classes for each day so I am mainly at school also catching up with work; Wednesday & Friday – I have one class for each day before noon. Thursday is free. Rather than school, I teach English 3 times a week to kids as a part-time job.

Weekends

Weekends are for travelling as much as possible, if not, I still try to explore Tokyo by searching new places to eat, any events to check out and meeting with friends. I went to many places such as Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and so on. If I suggest one place for an excursion in Tokyo, it is Mt. Takao where you can see the beautiful scenery and also visit Japanese traditional temple. For my hobbies, I attend to a dance school, so I go there 2-3 a week and I practice pottery at Monozukuri studio (inside Waseda FSE campus) once a week. So far, I made cups, mugs and small bowls as gifts for my friends and family. Thursdays are for any activity related to art, design and architecture or research for my thesis.

4.　What is the outline of your study field and study plan?

I am a master’s student (1st year, 2nd semester) in architecture department. I am interested in many topics, but my thesis will focus on environmentally sustainable architecture, I am thinking about uniting sustainability strategies in different phases of architecture as design, construction and supervision into a guideline. My thesis will consist of detailed research to create such guideline plus a design project.

5.　What is your career goal or future plan after graduation?

I have a very specific goal for now – following my graduation, I want to become a practicing architect and after gaining experience, I want to maintain a career in both teaching and practicing. I believe, academic studies and working with students will keep my theoretical information & creativity fresh, -which would be also beneficial to my practice- whereas; the work experience I get would reflect on the courses I would teach –which would be beneficial for having a solid and updated ground to teach a theoretical course-. I would love to contribute both as a teacher and as an architect.

6.　Message to the prospective students

Japan is very different – this might be very exciting to explore but also tiring to adjust. I think it would make it much easier to get to know more about the culture in detail and some basic Japanese. Although Waseda is one of the right places to be, your experience will be different than Japanese students – which is okay. If you focus on yourself, what you want to achieve academically and personally while being here, you will have such a fulfilling unique experience.